Ns430 usability?

[nikita_nomad]

Hi all. Can anyone suggest if the module is capable to navigate intersections and do sid and star procedures? I want to learn it but don't fancy switching over to xplane or msfs for it.. Thanks.

 

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[Ramsay]

1 hour ago, nikita_nomad said:

Can anyone suggest if the module is capable to navigate intersections and do sid and star procedures?

The DCS NS430 has some RL STAR points in it's database i.e. for a few civil airports in the Caucasus, but the procedures are undocumented and coordinates adjusted to fit DCS.

1 hour ago, nikita_nomad said:

I want to learn it but don't fancy switching over to xplane or msfs for it.

If you want learn the how to use the real Garmin device, you'll need to look elsewhere, as DCS's NS430 is missing to many features and to limited to be considered a training aid.

This Grim Reapers video  @20:28 should help set expectations for the DCS's NS430

NS430 Review

Spoiler

TL;DR:
A welcome addition to DCS Steam and worth purchasing if you own a number of modules with 'simpler' avionics i.e. F-5E, FC3 aircraft, etc.

It makes the NS430 2D "popup" available for most aircraft in DCS.

Unfortunately, it is only superficially like a GNS430 and has many broken/missing features, those looking for a full fidelity simulation will need to look elsewhere.

The current (£8.70) NS430 module is the 2D base popup. It contains the core functions and logic of the DCS NS 430 and is a prerequisite for the 3D cockpit plug-ins.

Cockpit plug-ins for the L-39C, Mi-8, C-101 and Gazelle (that add the 3D model to cockpit) are separate purchases. These are compatible with VR and have less of a FPS hit than the 2D popup.

The 2D popup's VR compatibility is work in progress.

The GOOD
+ A 'GNS 430' light, the NS430 db contains DCS navigation objects, airports, sudo Jeppesen approaches (Caucasus, Nevada and Persian Gulf maps), etc.

+ Basic GNS functions work well using the inner/outer rotation wheels on the LH/RH controls to scroll through the menus or enter data, IMHO it captures the 'feel' of a GNS430 but not the detail.

+ DCS mission waypoints are imported as a custom flight plan.

+ The NS430 is common across multiple modules, so once you've learned it for one, you've learnt for all.

+ The Aux page saves chosen units i.e. imperial/metric, between sessions.

The BAD
- Many RL GNS 430 functions aren't implemented (i.e. OBS is broken), so you'll need to look elsewhere (i.e. the free Garmin trainer) for a RL training aid.

- The NS430 doesn't interface with aircraft avionics so radio nav and coms don't work (only GPS) and the aircraft's own HSI, etc. can't be driven by the NS430.

- The NS430 needs to be setup each flight as there is no way to save map settings, custom flight plans or custom waypoints.

- The manual explains NS430 functions but training is limited to a couple of Mi-8 missions (you need that module to fly them), so you'll need to look to 'youtube', Garmin/FSX videos or Garmin's own documentation to learn the NS430.

- The sudo approach diagrams, etc. aren't documented (as they are based off RL, you can usually use the relevant FAA, AIP, etc. chart with modification).

- the 2D map is often missing terrain elevation/coastline in 3rd party maps and/or has performance issues i.e. no coastline in Syria.

- A little expensive if bought for just one module

- The 2D popup's VR compatibility is still work in progress

Notes :

It doesn't work with the A-10C, Hornet, Viper, Apache or Ka-50 (not a big loss but important to know)

... or add much functionality to the AV-8B or JF-17 as their moving map navigation systems are in most respects superior.

The NS430 does add a cross check and way to fly sudo approach diagrams, etc. so it's not totally redundent.

The NS430 still has some basic bugs -
• The moving map is 6° out (MVAR ?) in Caucasus and Nevada maps
• It has performance issues on the Persian Gulf map.

They are not 'show stoppers' as, for example you learn that airports/waypoints directly in front will always be a little to the right on the moving map.

These bugs *may* eventually get fixed but as it's been out for 3½ years, they are something to be aware of before buying.

As to missing features, like saving settings, flight plans, VR, etc. Make your purchase decision based on it's limitations today, as it's not clear if they will ever be added.

 

Edited May 30, 2024 by Ramsay

[nikita_nomad]

Thanks for detailed reply. I get a rough picture of it now.. Will have to really think if it's worth it.. :/

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[Mike_Romeo]

45 minutes ago, nikita_nomad said:

Thanks for detailed reply. I get a rough picture of it now.. Will have to really think if it's worth it..

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There is a trial system. You can try it out free for two weeks as long you dont use the steam version.

[nikita_nomad]

There is a trial system. You can try it out free for two weeks as long you dont use the steam version.

You can't trial this one, for some reason

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[nikita_nomad]

Also, does it have anything outside caucasus, Syria, Mariannas etc.?

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[Ramsay]

6 hours ago, nikita_nomad said:

... does it have anything outside caucasus, Syria, Mariannas etc.?

Nothing substantial (other.dat holds some "cities of the world" coordinates).

The NS430's "aptdb" folder has SIDS/STARS only for the Caucasus, Nevada and Persian Gulf maps.

Additional NS430 Navaid data is read directly from DCS map "beacons.lua" files i.e. airport ID's, coordinates, etc.

Edited May 30, 2024 by Ramsay

[nikita_nomad]

Nothing substantial (other.dat holds some "cities of world" coordinates).
The NS430's "aptdb" folder has SIDS/STARS only for the Caucasus, Nevada and Persian Gulf maps.
Additional NS430 Navaid data is read directly from DCS map "beacons.lua" files i.e. airport ID's, coordinates, etc.

OK, I see. I'm guessing no support for Mariannas or Syria then. But thanks for your input bro.

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[Ramsay]

4 hours ago, nikita_nomad said:

I'm guessing no support for Marianas or Syria then.

As said, any Airports or navigation beacons are read from the map files, so you can create regular flight plans or fly "direct" to a airbase, etc.

Here's an example of what you'd see on the NS430 for Syria (note how the airfields and beacons are displayed but the coast line is missing).

However, SIDS and STARS require additional data to be added to the NS430's database i.e. RNAV waypoints and fixes and the procedure(s) to fly them.

Edited May 30, 2024 by Ramsay

[nikita_nomad]

As said, any Airports or navigation beacons are read from the map files, so you can create regular flight plans or fly "direct" to a airbase, etc.
Here's an example of what you'd see on the NS430 for Syria (note how the airfields and beacons are displayed but the coast line is missing).



However, SIDS and STARS require additional data to be added to the NS430's database i.e. RNAV waypoints and fixes and the procedure(s) to fly them.

Oh cool, that looks pretty decent actually. Thanks for the screens, they paint a better picture. I think it's not too bad then, if I take it as a bit of added realism, rather then a training aid :)) use it with a grain of salt

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[ThePops]

The (G)NS-430 is a first generation GPS navigator for GA. Today it is completely outdated. They are still around and people still use them, but that's more because they sold like hot cakes when they came and there are lots of them. However, you cannot use it for 90% of the stuff you normally would need a (modern) GPS navigator for. The NS-430 in DCS is in turn a very limited version of the real one.

Modern ones typically have FMS capability, can do modern approaches (RPN), has wifi/bluetooth so it can be connected with a pad for much added practicality and so on. They are fully autopilot compatible also, and of course works seamlessly with glass and other instruments. However, all the capabilities are lost without proper database of the airspace, AIRAC/AIP.